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slice of Bakewell slice in front of pan with rest of slice in it
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5 from 2 votes

Bakewell slice

This classic British treat combines a crisp pastry base, sweet-tart raspberry jam and a soft almond sponge. Perfect with a cup of tea (or coffee).
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: British
Servings: 8 large slices, or more if smaller
Calories: 514kcal
Author: Caroline's Cooking
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Ingredients

For the pastry base

  • 1 ½ cups all purpose flour plain flour
  • 2 tablespoon confectioners sugar icing sugar
  • 7 tablespoon unsalted butter cold, in chunks
  • 2 tablespoon water cold - may not need all or may need slightly more

For sponge topping

  • 8 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup all purpose flour plain flour
  • ¾ cup almond flour ground almonds
  • ½ cup sugar caster sugar if not already relatively fine
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 2 eggs

For rest of slice

  • ½ cup raspberry jam
  • 2 tablespoon sliced almonds flaked almonds

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375F/190C. You will need a 9 x 9in (23 x 23cm) square baking pan/tin - ideally non-stick, otherwise you may want to line it with parchment paper. I use a 2in (5cm) deep pan, but slightly less deep will also work.

For pastry base

  • Place the flour, confectioners/icing sugar and butter in a food processor and pulse to form crumbs. Add the water in a steady stream with the food processor running. Blend to bring the mixture together in clumps - if it doesn't happen after around 30 seconds, add a little more water but you shouldn't need much more.
  • Remove the dough from the food processor and press together to form a ball. Roll out into a large square, large enough to line a 9 x 9in (23 x 23cm) baking tin. Carefully place the pastry into the tin and gently press into the corners and up the side.
  • Trim the top off the pastry to give an even edge a little below the top of the tin. If the pastry is lower in any area, you can add a bit of the cut off scraps to fill it in, pressing to join to the main pastry. Prick the base of the pastry all over with a fork then chill in the fridge a few minutes - ideally 10 or more - while the oven heats up.
  • Blind bake the pastry (ie line inside with parchment and fill with baking beans) for about 10 minutes, then remove parchment and beans and bake uncovered for around 5 - 10 minutes more until lightly golden.

For sponge topping

  • Meanwhile, place the butter, flour, almond flour, sugar, baking powder, almond extract and eggs in a bowl. Mix with a stand or handheld electric mixer to combine well and until the mixture os smooth and glossy.

To layer and bake

  • Once the pastry is gently golden and dry, spread a layer of the raspberry jam over the pastry base, spreading right into the corners and trying to make an even layer.
  • Dot the almond sponge topping mixture over the jam so it covers most of the jam (it doesn't have to be smooth at this point, you just want to minimize how much you need to spread it). Carefully spread the sponge layer over the jam, trying not to touch the jam so that you don't mix it into the topping. Spread right to the very edges to touch the pastry sides and smooth the top with a spatula.
  • Sprinkle the almonds evenly over the top, then bake for around 35 - 40 minutes until the top is evenly golden and dry to touch.
  • Allow to cool at least a few minutes before slicing - you can serve warm or at room temperature.
  • If storing, allow to cool completely to room temperature before transferring to a sealed container and storing at room temperature.

Video

Notes

If you prefer, you can mix the pastry base by hand - cut the butter into small pieces and rub into the flour and sugar. Once you have crumbs, add the water a little at a time and mix in with a blunt knife to gradually come together in clumps, then bring into a ball with your hands (much as you would with any pastry or with scones). 

Nutrition

Calories: 514kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 142mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 725IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 2mg